Sand casting is the most widely used casting process that uses disposable sand molds to form complex metal parts from nearly any alloy. The sand casting process involves melting metal in a furnace and pouring it into a sand mold cavity formed using a pattern, then separating the sand mold and removing the solidified casting. Sand casting produces a variety of metal components with complex geometries ranging in size from ounces to tons, including smaller parts like gears and propellers as well as larger parts like equipment housings and machine bases.